“The President is capable”- Ex-NFF boss Amaju Pinnick denies influencing Finidi George’s appointment

Former Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has stated that he did not force the current board to appoint Finidi George as the new Super Eagles coach, Soccernet.ng reports.

On Monday, the NFF announced the appointment of Finidi as Super Eagles coach, two months after Jose Peseiro left the position.

Recall that after Peseiro left the Super Eagles coaching position, the NFF opened applications for the post and appointed Finidi as interim coach. He led the Super Eagles in the last international break when they played Ghana and Mali. At the time, it was reported that Finidi and Emmanuel Amuneke were the two major indigenous coaches in contention for the post.

Former NFF boss Pinnick even came out to openly endorse Finidi, a move that was somewhat indicative of the NFF’s decision.

Following Finidi’s appointment, there have been talks that Pinnick forced the current NFF board’s decision because of his bias. However, in a recent interview, the FIFA chief denied influencing the Ibrahim Gusau-led board.

“The president (Ibrahim Gusau) is very capable, always working round the clock,” Pinnick told Lagos Talks FM.

“What I observed is that Nigerians don’t like to see peace in Nigerian football, they don’t like synergy. If I have a good synergy with my successor, I don’t think there’s any reason to say that I’m the one that chose Finidi George. Why should I be? Gusau was a key member in (Aminu) Maigari’s regime. Then in my own regime, he was very cardinal. He understands the dynamics, the theatrics, the politics, the game. And he’s an accountant, very prudent, so people should not just say things.”

It is understood that Gusau and Pinnick have a good relationship and have worked together in the football scene for years. Meanwhile, despite announcing Finidi as coach, the NFF are yet to reveal the details of the deal.